as in headache
something that is a source of irritation
even what seems to be a dream job usually turns out to have its fair share of rubs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
the brake pads were rubbed away as a result of years of use
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to sand
to make smooth by friction
the furniture restorer rubbed the board perfectly smooth with sandpaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to polish
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
the butler rubbed the silver tea set until it gleamed
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of rub
Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
As far as vibe goes, this is where tourists and corporate suits from all walks of life rub elbows, whether waiting in line at Shake Shack or the steakhouse Wolf & Lamb.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
While your braids are still slightly damp, rub a lightweight oil between your palms and smooth it all over your hair.
—Danielle James, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Noun
Our readers weigh in Twenty-seven years ago today, when UConn played Duke down to the wire in the title game, my wife sat in front of me and asked for a shoulder rub.
—Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 31 Mar. 2026
As far as vibe goes, this is where tourists and corporate suits from all walks of life rub elbows, whether waiting in line at Shake Shack or the steakhouse Wolf & Lamb.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
Massage with your hands Squeeze, scrunch, and rub the kale leaves for 1–2 minutes.
—Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
While your braids are still slightly damp, rub a lightweight oil between your palms and smooth it all over your hair.
—Danielle James, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rub
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rub
Noun
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But after developing a headache that lasted for several months, a friend convinced her to visit the emergency room.—
Brad Quick,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This can create headaches for physicians and other providers.—
Noam N. Levey,
Hartford Courant,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Two men carried an effigy of Maduro, his eyes blood-red, and his teeth vampiric, wearing a prison jumpsuit with a chain around his neck.—
Diego Lasarte,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2026
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For accessories, Hathaway wore a set of pink gold Bulgari jewels, including a sparkly wrap bracelet, dangling earrings, and a red cocktail ring, according to InStyle.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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If a wooden cutting board becomes heavily scarred, it can be fixed and refinished by lightly sanding it until the knife marks are gone.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
22 Apr. 2026
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The technique still needs sanding, and zero interceptions in 48 career games is concerning, but McCutchin’s combine testing gave his draft case a nice shot of nitrous.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Players talented enough, polished enough and mentally wired well enough to survive almost any landing spot.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 Apr. 2026
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Triple Active Exfoliator features enzyme, acid, and physical exfoliants to gently but powerfully polish and smooth the skin, an amazing mask for face, neck and chest.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The veteran forward has long been a thorn in their side, and has a long history of trying to injure Warriors, and succeeding at it.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Historically, West Palm Beach’s Keiser University has been a thorn in STU’s side as the Seahawks are 8-0 all-time against the Bobcats.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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European carmakers are losing their premium brand status in China, as younger consumers opt for cars from domestic brands, further eroding Western firms’ prospects in a cutthroat global market.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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In a market as mobile as high-end real estate, even modest shifts can erode the tax base.—
Martha E. Stark,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Bodies in motion are intercut with a bespoke gun factory’s grinding gears; human combats are juxtaposed with VR imagery or first-person shooter games.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
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That willingness to grind, Jassy argued, is what separates the people who move up from those who stall out.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Don’t rely on tone or timing to smooth it over.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
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Made with 61 percent cotton, 35 percent Tencel and 4 percent elastmultiester, the fabrics give garments a soft drape away from the body while maintaining the stretch, structure and smoothing properties.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rub.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rub. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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